Susanne Gail (Bangert) Martin, 79, of Elkhart, passed away on Monday, January 1, 2024, at East Lake Nursing & Rehabilitation. She was born on June 17, 1944, in Galveston, TX, to the late Erwin and Caroline (Knehans) Bangert.

Susanne is survived by her children, Keith (Lisa) Martin of Elkhart, Mari (Michael) Ritoch of Irvine, CA, and Laura (Ronald) Capps of Los Alamitos, CA; grandchildren, Emily, Ethan, Nora, Misha, Anna, Tanisha, Ashley, and Isiah; 8 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a loving host of extended family, friends, and acquaintances.

Susanne was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings, Rhoda Kletz, Connie Duerk, Erwin Bangert Jr., James "Jimmy" Bangert, Janet Morris, and Carol Bangert.

In accordance with Susanne's wishes cremation has been chosen and the family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart has been assisting the family with cremation arrangements.

Susanne held many positions over the years, working as a telephone operator, school librarian, church custodian, and a stay-at-home mother and grandmother. She was also an active, longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, always keeping her Lutheran faith strong and passing these beliefs down for generations to come.

In her spare time, Susanne was passionate about gardening, crocheting, refurbishing furniture items, and painting. Most importantly, spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren was the highlight of her life. She would tend to the children as they were growing up and simply enjoyed being able to hang out with them as time went on, especially with her great granddaughter, Ariana, who was very close with Susanne.

Susanne will best be remembered as a faithful and loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend. She will be dearly missed by those whose hearts she touched throughout her life.